Good corals for low light

[nikolai]

I have two flourescent lights..... one is 17 watts and the other is 19 watts. I have a 55 gallon tank. Are there any corals that would live with this light (If I put them at the top).

 

[speg]

wow.. that be some low watts!
Well.. I dont know if they like that little of light.. but things like Sun Coral and Mushrooms all require low lighting.. maybe test a couple cheap mushrooms and then do research on other coral that like low lighting!

 

[annanymous]

sun coral and maybe some shrooms, but that is way low. you don't even have a watt per gallon. rather then wasting your $$ on corals rite now, scratch up some more $$ and upgrade your lighting, then we can talk about corals

 

[joker_ca]

Low Light Corals Need Like 3watts Per Gallon, IF You Put Corals In There And They Will Die

 

[kdfrosty]

Yup, I would say shrooms at the VERY most now. They are a good starter coral, and also are a good indicator if something is wrong with your water/lighting conditions. If shrooms wont survive, almost nothing (coral wise) will.

 

[fishnerd]

There are some non-photosynthetic corals, but they require ALOT of care.
I agree with the post on you purchasing some lights before corals.
Your lights are not enough for mushrooms. Sun coral/Tubastrea sp. don't need any light, but need lots of planktonic food, which means extra cleanings and water changes.

 

[devilshand]

I have a carnation coral that i specifically set a tank up for because i had to have extremely low light. any time i put one in a tank with too much lighting it doesnt do well at all. Well considering how hard it is 2 keep one alive anyways. So depending on how long your tank has been set up i would suggest a carnation coral.

 

[nikolai]

Thanks guys. Well it looks like my problem with low light will *probably* be solved. Probably buying a 220w setup- for $60!!!
You guys should really research the stuff and look on ----.... I have gotten quality stuff so far. I bought my 55G tank with the very nice cabinet, filter, heaters, nets, and a bunch of additives for $70.

 

[fishnerd]

Jump On That Deal!!!

 

[sheracr123]

I have another option for you that alot of people don't think about. Sponges! They can add quita a bit of color to a tank with very little care. (Most anyways.) Of course do your research, but it sure is an inexpensive way to add color!

 

[nikolai]

Oops... sorry mods. Forgot that you're not supposed to refer to other places. Anyway, is a 220W setup on a 55G considered a medium light setup or high light? A book that I have recommends 3-5W per gallon and no more....
Could I keep Zoos, Bubble Coral, or Leathers in this setup?

 

[petjunkie]

You must be able to keep mushrooms in super low light because my first purchase of live rock came with a bunch of brownish-red ones and they were at the bottom of the 24" 55 gallon tank with a 18 watt light over it and are now in and 55 long with 80 watts over it and they've been getting bigger and looking good for 6 months now